This day in music history.

April 13, 1742, The first performance of George Frideric Handel's "Messiah" took place in Dublin. Handel played the harpsichord and Matthew Dubourg conducted the orchestra. The oratorio was hailed as a musical triumph. Messiah is divided into three parts representing Christ's birth, death, and resurrection. It was originally written for Easter performances but Handel himself conducted Messiah many times, often altering it to suit the needs of the moment. It is now more closely associated with Christmas. Handel wrote the complete work in 24 days, It is said that while Handel was writing the Messiah, his valet would often find him weeping silently at his desk.
Chorus: Halleujah by Handel
HALLELUJAH!
for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
The kingdom of this world is become the kingdom of our Lord,
and of His Christ: and He shall reign for ever and ever.
KING OF KINGS, and LORD OF LORDS,
HALLELUJAH!
DLAK note: If you want to read the whole thing go here, Messiah.